When Adelaide professor Tom Nelson stumbled on the derelict ironstone chapel and surrounding grazing paddocks in 1971, he first imagined using the land for his wife’s horses, but he soon changed his plans, by planting a vineyard in 1972. The first wines were made in 1975. By 1985 Chapel Hill was exclusively owned by Adelaide’s Gerard family who further invested in vineyards and winery development.
Importantly, the family employed winemaker Pam Dunsford, a wine industry legend, who paved the way for women working as winemakers in the Australian wine industry.
Under her stewardship Chapel Hill became a highly respected name and renowned for its easily accessible yet classic wine styles. In 2022, Pam Dunsford was the recipient of the prestigious Maurice O’Shea Award for her contribution to the Australian wine industry.
A brooding savoury side, plush dark fruits transports this to a deliciously ethereal level. Showcasing McLaren Vale’s brooding savoury side, which when enhanced with the regions plush dark fruits transports Shiraz to a deliciously ethereal level. It’s full-bodied, full in the middle palate style with red cherry and blackberry fruits and high-quality oak and grape tannins that run long with the fruit. Fruit-filled, focused, and generous in style.
